Prior to Lonzo Ball and the Los Angeles Lakers' 102-99 win over the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Brandon Ingram revealed how players that have come after the rookie point guard have gotten under the team's skin. This comes after Patrick Beverly warned Ball that he will be under fire for this season because of his father's outspoken ways.
Lonzo Ball vs John Wall
In their matchup on Wednesday, Ball scored only six points along with ten assists, and eight rebounds against John Wall who vowed to show Ball no mercy.
Additionally, Wall's teammate, Marcin Gortat was outspoken on Twitter about how Wall will allegedly torture Ball for 48 minutes in their game. Gortat explained that he is just sticking up for his team and his teammates, saying he has nothing against Ball.
Although he did not take credit for Gortat's statement, Wall pledged to play well against Ball because of the elder Ball's outspoken ways. He added that it motivates him to get out there, lead his team, and play the best he can.
In their overtime win against the Wizards on Wednesday, Ball successfully limited Wall to scoring only one basket in the fourth quarter and overtime period.
Ball continued to struggle with his shot but set up clutch three-pointers for Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Wall finished the game with 18 points and nine assists.
LaVar pressuring Lonzo?
Having been picked second overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, along with his father's influence, the spotlight is definitely on Ball this season, and this is what a lot of people expected for Ball's rookie year. After a poor outing in his debut against Beverly and the Los Angeles Clippers, he responded by scoring 29 points, and dishing out 11 assists in his second game of the season against the Phoenix Suns. After four games, Ball is averaging 11.5 points, 9 assists, and 9 rebounds.
Wall attributes the pressure placed on Ball to his father saying the elder Ball keeps on hyping his son up when it is not necessary, going as far as saying his son will lead his team to the NBA Playoffs as a rookie.
Most people think that the elder Ball is simply trying to get attention as the face of his family's clothing and shoe company called Big Baller Brand. If this is indeed just a tactic to gain publicity, then it is definitely working out for them.
The numbers are quite impressive so far for Ball this season, but if opponents keep going after him because of his father's words, it might take a toll on the Lakers in the long run. What do you think will happen to Ball as this season progresses?